Causes of Unauthorized Depressurization of Polyethylene Sleeves During Field Storage of Plant Products

Abstract

Introduction.

The widespread use of polyethylene sleeves worldwide has led to their application in various sectors of the national economy. For example, in the agro-industrial complex, polyethylene sleeves are an integral part of the modern method of storing crop products in the field. During the practical application of this storage method in Russia, farmers encountered various problems during their operation, including one of the main ones, namely a violation of the sleeves' tightness.

Materials and Methods. The study focused on a non-stationary method of storing crop products in polyethylene bags (silo bags). The research methods included field observations conducted in the Central Federal District during the 2015–2023 agricultural seasons. Surveys of sites for the placement of grain-filled polyethylene bags were conducted over a nine-month period (summer, fall, and winter). Parameters studied included the moisture content of crop products and the degree of damage to the silo bags.

Results. A classification of processes for depressurizing polyethylene bags containing grain during storage is proposed (authorized and unauthorized). The main causes of unauthorized depressurization of silo bags have been identified: improper operation of silo bags at the production site; and the harmful effects of rodents and birds. It has been found that the baseline moisture content of the commercial product influences unauthorized depressurization of silo bags, as their greatest degree of storage damage was detected in grain with moisture contents up to 13.0%. It was established that the cause of grain moisture changes during storage is depressurization of polyethylene bags. Moreover, the nature of the depressurization affects the rate of increase in the grain's moisture content. The nature of damage to silo bags and polyethylene sleeve housings was determined, and the degree of damage (I-III) was established.

Conclusions. The results of long-term field observations allowed us to identify the main causes of unauthorized depressurization of silo bags during storage of plant products. It was found that season and relative humidity influence changes in the overall moisture content of grain during storage. It was found that if unauthorized depressurization occurred in summer or winter, when precipitation is lowest, the change in grain moisture content is insignificant.

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